ORIGIN

This 1949 Fiat 1100ES coupe is one of approximately 150 produced, and it is believed to be one of three imported to the US in the 1960s. The hand-formed coachwork is from Pinin Farina, and features include 2+1 seating, independent front suspension, and a 60-liter fuel tank. The car was purchased by the seller 27 years ago out of Washington, and over $30k in documented refurbishment has since been performed. Power is provided by a 1.2L inline-four paired with a 4-speed manual gearbox from a donor Fiat 1200TV. Approximately 50 miles have been added by the seller since the engine, axle, suspension, and brakes were rebuilt. Further work is still required, and a few additional components will need to be sourced before the project can be completed. This 1100ES is now being offered with an assortment of original and spare parts, workshop manuals, and a clear Washington title in the seller’s name.

Chassis #500281 utilizes a steel body with an aluminum hood and trunk lid. The body was disassembled, media blasted, and mounted in a rotisserie under current ownership, where it received rust repair and replacement by Porsche 356 specialist, Ted Atkins Metalwork. A PPG epoxy primer has been applied, as well as a Wurth SKS Stoneguard, on the underside of chassis.

1100ES production lasted for three years, and most examples have a split windshield. However, chassis #500281 features a curved front window with a one-piece aluminum surround. Three new laminated windshields have been sourced by the seller. Closeups of the Ragazzi insignia on the previously installed windshield have been provided in the gallery below. Trafficators were fitted from the factory, and later removed sometime prior to the seller’s acquisition. Note the flush-mount handles for the side doors and the aluminum T-handle for the trunk.

The 2+1 interior layout is designed to accommodate a forward-facing rear jump seat. Old interior panels and surrounds are included to be used as patterns, along with the previously-installed headliner and steel supports. The roll-up window assemblies have been reconditioned and are currently installed along with the aluminum door caps, handles, and window cranks. All side glass and trim are included.

The clock and water temperature gauge, as well as some of the switches, are missing from the dash. The car has two Nardi steering wheels, one installed, one in the spares package.

Power is provided by a rebuilt, balanced, and blueprinted 1.2-liter OHV inline-four. Induction is through a dual barrel Weber DCLD carburetor, and the original radiator utilizes a new core. A new 60-liter fuel tank has been fabricated and internally epoxy coated. All fuel and cooling hoses are also new. A video of the engine running can be viewed here.

The 1100ES utilizes a Fiat-designed independent front suspension with integrated oil-bath spring/shock units, which have been rebuilt along with the rear lever-action shocks. Braking is managed by aluminum finned drums, and the system has been rebuilt and re-plumbed with new hoses and hard lines. The parking brake system is included, though it requires installation.

The 4-speed gearbox has been reconditioned with new seals and gaskets. The driveshaft has been fitted with new U-joints and dynamically balanced, and the solid rear axle has all new bearings and seals. A new rear section for the exhaust system is still required.

Photos of the included side windows, wiper assembly, and included interior components can be viewed in the gallery below. The spares package also contains a second running Fiat 103G engine, two transmissions, and two new windshields.

An assortment of literature, pamphlets, and photos related to the 1100ES is included and was collected by the seller over the past 27 years. Photos of chassis #500281 from the 1960s are also included, and a video of it starting and driving can be seen below.